Algenist GENIUS Ultimate Anti-Aging Cream

Algenist GENIUS Ultimate Anti-Aging Cream
6.8
/ 10
Moisturizing
7.5 Humectancy icon Humectancy
6.2 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity

Review

Does Algenist GENIUS Ultimate Anti-Aging Cream work?

Based on the ingredient list analysis by CreamScan AI, these are the key benefits you can expect from using Algenist GENIUS Ultimate Anti-Aging Cream:

  • Significant moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 6.8 out of 10.

Well-suited moisturizer for normal to dry skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Algenist GENIUS Ultimate Anti-Aging Cream is highly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 6.8 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? This product has relatively comparable levels of humectancy and occlusivity: a high humectancy of 7.5 out of 10, primarily due to the substantial concentration of Glycerin (est. ≈4.0%) and Butylene Glycol (est. ≈2.0%), and a high occlusivity of 6.2 out of 10, mainly due to the significant content of Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (est. ≈9.0%) and Dimethicone (est. ≈2.5%).

This type of moisturizer is well-suited for people with normal skin who want significant hydration in a rich yet not overly thick formula. It combines a significant amount of humectants and occlusive ingredients to provide effective dual-action moisturizing.

The product’s occlusive profile suggests a texture that is rich and creamy but not overly thick, offering the potential to absorb into the skin without leaving a greasy afterfeel in most cases.

This product may also be a good choice for people with dry (but not very dry) skin for daily hydration, as it strikes a balance between significant moisturizing potential and a texture that is not too thick.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Algenist GENIUS Ultimate Anti-Aging Cream has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains Retinyl Palmitate and Copper Lysinate/Prolinate, two ingredients often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of these ingredients provide insufficient evidence of efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards. Therefore, these ingredients do not generate the anti-wrinkle rating.

Moisturizers, when used regularly, are proven to prevent wrinkle formation and even reduce existing wrinkles. Therefore, this product, like any other moisturizer, can deliver some anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the anti-wrinkle rating calculation.

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
60
9
6
4
3
2.5
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Function:
Origin:
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Chlorella Protothecoides Oil
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Stearate
Function:
Origin:
PEG-100 Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
Function:
Origin:
Pentylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
Function:
Origin:
Parachlorella Beijerinckii Exopolysaccharides
Function:
Origin:
Hydrolyzed Collagen
Function:
Origin:
Ceramide NP
Function:
Origin:
Cynara Scolymus (Artichoke) Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Retinyl Palmitate
Function:
Origin:
Astragalus Membranaceus Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Atractylodes Macrocephala Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Iris Florentina Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Bupleurum Falcatum Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Copper Lysinate/Prolinate
Function:
Origin:
Methylglucoside Phosphate
Function:
Origin:
Stearalkonium Bentonite
Function:
Origin:
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Silica
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Cetyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Propylene Carbonate
Function:
Origin:
Quartz
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
Function:
Origin:
Chlorphenesin
Function:
Origin:
Fragrance
Function:
Origin:
Coumarin
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
7.5
4
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
12.5
9.0
2.5
1.0
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
6.8
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 7.5 10
7.5
4
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 12.5 20
6.2
9.0
2.5
1.0
Moisturizing rating
6.8
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
4
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 7.5 10
7.5
All humectants
7.5
4
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
9
2.5
1
All occlusives 12.5 20
6.2
All occlusives
12.5
9.0
2.5
1.0
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0
Retinyl Palmitate
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Copper Lysinate/Prolinate
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 0.6 3 No
All antioxidants
0.6
Cynara Scolymus (Artichoke) Leaf Extract
0.3
Bupleurum Falcatum Root Extract
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
All soothing 0.3 5 No
All soothing
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %60
Function
Origin
WaterThe most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Est. %9
Function
Origin
Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideA natural occlusive moisturizing and emollient ingredient, it is a blend of glycerin and two fatty acids, caprylic and capric acid. It creates an oil-based protective layer on the skin, thereby preventing water loss.
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Hydrogenated PolyisobuteneA viscous liquid that makes a great oil base due to its smooth sensorial profile. It has emollient features, including good spreadability and little tack upon application. It also has the added benefit of being able to thicken products.
Glycerin
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Glycerin

The most popular moisturizing ingredient in the world. It is a powerful humectant – cheap yet very effective.

Chlorella Protothecoides Oil
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Chlorella Protothecoides Oil
Dimethicone
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
DimethiconeThe most common silicone in skincare. It forms a silky, smooth film on the skin’s surface and can help to prevent water loss. It also aids in wound healing and can treat and soften scars. Dimethicone is considered to be very safe for use.
Butylene Glycol
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Butylene Glycol

A clear, colorless liquid humectant that draws moisture to the skin. The humectancy of butylene glycol, owed to its two hydroxyl groups, is quite considerable, although not as powerful as glycerin, which contains three hydroxyl groups.

Glyceryl Stearate
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Glyceryl StearateAn emollient and emulsifier typically derived from vegetable sources through a chemical reaction with glycerin. It provides stability, texture, and consistency to formulations. Its main function is to allow oil and water to mix.
PEG-100 Stearate
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
PEG-100 StearateThis surfactant is more specifically classified as an emulsifier that produces oil-in-water emulsions. PEG-100 stearate can also be used as a cleansing agent.
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) ButterA semi-solid, buttery fat extracted from the seeds of the Shea tree that is a wonderful occlusive and emollient ingredient mainly comprised of fatty acids. Shea butter contains a large amount of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds.
Pentylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pentylene Glycol

A naturally or synthetically derived preservative that exhibits effective antifungal and antibacterial traits. It also acts as a booster for more traditional preservatives. Pentylene glycol can also serve as a moisturizing humectant and solvent.

Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Potassium Cetyl PhosphateA powerful emulsifier that can even mix particularly problematic water and oil blends. It is also a surfactant perfect for cleansing products that effectively rinse off oil and dirt particles from the surface of the skin.
Parachlorella Beijerinckii Exopolysaccharides
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Parachlorella Beijerinckii Exopolysaccharides
Hydrolyzed Collagen
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrolyzed Collagen

A humectant, film-forming, and emollient mixture of various proteins and peptides that were created by cutting the huge molecules of normal collagen into smaller pieces for better absorption. It also has some antioxidant properties.

Ceramide NP
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ceramide NPAlso known as ceramide 3, it is the most common ceramide in our skin. It helps to restore the skin’s lipid barrier and alleviate the symptoms of dry and cracked skin. Research has shown that skin suffering from conditions such as AD lacks ceramides.
Cynara Scolymus (Artichoke) Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cynara Scolymus (Artichoke) Leaf ExtractDerived from globe artichokes, this ingredient contains plenty of antioxidant compounds such as flavonoids, organic acids, and other polyphenols.
Retinyl Palmitate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Retinyl PalmitateAn esterified form of retinol – it combines retinol and palmitic acid into one molecule. Retinyl palmitate is less irritating than retinol but also much less effective in its anti-aging and acne-reducing effects.
Astragalus Membranaceus Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Astragalus Membranaceus Root Extract
Atractylodes Macrocephala Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Atractylodes Macrocephala Root Extract
Iris Florentina Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Iris Florentina Root ExtractA fragrant extract obtained from the roots of the Iris florentina that contain some of the iris essential oil. The roots must be stored for at least 3 years in order to develop their heavy, violet-like scent.
Bupleurum Falcatum Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Bupleurum Falcatum Root ExtractDerived from the root of an Asian plant Bei Chai Hu, this soothing extract is rich in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory saikosaponins.
Copper Lysinate/Prolinate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Copper Lysinate/ProlinateA complex of copper and two amino acids. It may stimulate the production of collagen in the skin because of the supply of copper, thus resulting in anti-wrinkle effects. This, however, has not been confirmed by studies.
Methylglucoside Phosphate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Methylglucoside PhosphateA derivative of glucose. It is allegedly an activated form of glucose that may be able to serve as an energy source to the skin, although this claim has not been supported by any research.
Stearalkonium Bentonite
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Stearalkonium Bentonite
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate CrosspolymerA synthetic ingredient that is used to thicken water and alcohol. It results in a more lightweight formula and is commonly found in gel products.
Silica
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
SilicaA widely used cosmetic ingredient with the same chemical composition as the sand found on beaches. A common function of silica is its ability to control viscosity. In certain chemical forms, it can effectively thicken cream-style products.
Caprylyl Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylyl GlycolAn emollient that improves product spreadability and offers a silky feel on the skin. It also acts as a preservative booster that improves the efficacy of other preservatives. According to the manufacturer, it is also a humectant moisturizer.
Sodium Hydroxide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Hydroxide

An ingredient that is able to bring the pH of a product up, thereby making it less harsh on the skin.

Disodium EDTA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Disodium EDTAA synthetic chelator that helps to maintain the look and smell of a product by 'locking up' troublesome metal ions.
Ethylhexylglycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
EthylhexylglycerinA preservative booster derived from glycerin. It is commonly paired with other preservatives to improve their efficacy. Ethylhexylglycerin is also a humectant due to its chemical base of glycerin.
Cetyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cetyl AlcoholA waxy solid fatty alcohol derived from palm oil. It is most commonly used as a co-emulsifier and affects the final aesthetic of the product, leaving a soft and silky feeling on the skin. Cetyl alcohol is also used as a viscosity controlling agent.
Propylene Carbonate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Propylene CarbonateA derivative of propylene glycol that is used most frequently as a solvent. Additionally, propylene carbonate serves as a viscosity controlling agent reducing the thickness of the products it is added to.
Quartz
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
QuartzA naturally occurring mineral that functions as an exfoliant to remove dead skin cells.
Phenoxyethanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhenoxyethanolThe most frequently used preservative in skincare. It is a clear, oil-like liquid synthetic substance that protects products from harmful bacteria and yeast, whilst still leaving skin microflora unharmed. It is confirmed by research to be harmless.
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment FiltrateA biotechnological fermentation ingredient that is created by feeding radish root to Leuconostoc kimchii. It allegedly contains organic acids and a mixture of peptides known as bacteriocins – which have antimicrobial activity.
Chlorphenesin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
ChlorphenesinA preservative and broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent that protects products from a wide range of bacteria and fungi.
Fragrance
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
FragranceUnder trade secret law, manufacturers have the right not to disclose what exactly went into the fragrance and use the unspecific word Fragrance or Parfum instead. Many fragrances are highly allergenic.
Coumarin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Coumarin

A plant-based fragrant compound that occurs in sweet-smelling grass, sweet woodruff, and sweet clover. It has a sweet and vanilla-like scent in high concentrations and a similar scent to freshly mowed grass in low concentrations.